Yee (left) showing the pipes that divert wastewater into the park. — FARID WAHAB/ The Star.
Park-goers in Kepong, Kuala Lumpur, are upset that nearby eateries are diverting wastewater into Padang Jinjang Utara.
They said the issue began early this year after Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) built a wall separating the eateries from the park.
Local activist Yee Poh Ping said the eateries were required by the authority to maintain a 1.5m distance from the wall.
“But some built extensions, occupying the extra space.
“They also installed pipes to divert wastewater from their premises into the park,” he said.
Yee said this caused water ponding in certain spots at the park during rainy days.
“Nearby residents are also worried about cleanliness and the risk of mosquitoes breeding in stagnant water,” he added.
The park has a children’s playground, football court, a parking lot, several gazebos and a basketball court that is currently being refurbished.
In August 2021, DBKL reportedly undertook works to upgrade the park, which included building a path for joggers.
StarMetro reported on July 12, 2021 that the eateries were encroaching on the park, placing tables and chairs there.
DBKL then ordered the operators to scale back their premises, before building a wall separating these structures from the park.
Yee urged DBKL to order the eateries to demolish any illegal extensions and remove the pipes diverting dirty water into the park.
“A stern warning must be issued too.
“We are worried the excess water may damage the upgraded walkway,” he added.
A check by StarMetro also found an eatery diverting wastewater from its air-conditioning unit into the park.
DBKL, in a statement to StarMetro, confirmed that the extensions and pipes were illegal.
It assured that action would be taken soon.
Meanwhile, some park-goers have also raised concerns about safety at the park.
A resident, who only gave her name as Ng, 73, hopes that DBKL will place bollards on the walkway to prevent motorcyclists from using it.
“I recently saw a near-accident involving a motorcyclist and a few children.
“Motor vehicles should not be allowed in the park,” she said.
